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  • Manifesto
  • Spiritual Growth

    Manifesto – TheReflectivePen – Part three, More goals

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    TheReflectivePen part three, more goals

    This is the third and final part of the Manifesto of TheReflectivePen - Goals numbered 6-11 with a summary of all eleven goals for writing this blog at…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    A Manifesto – TheReflectivePen – Part Two

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    manifesto of thereflectivepen part two goals

    Part two of a three-part Manifesto of TheReflectivePen is the first half of a list of goals that guide the writing on this blog.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    A Manifesto of TheReflectivePen Part One

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    a manifesto of thereflectivepen part one

            Genesis   The genesis of TheReflectivePen is a tale of collective failures and successful adventures in both writing and technology in a search for meaning and…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker Answers a Question about Adopted Pets

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    Dekker, a dog who writes advice

    Dekker is a service dog who offers advice to readers of TheReflectivePen. In this post he responds to questions about 'pandemic pets', as well as questions about death…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Five Ways You Can Find the Sacred in the Ordinary

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    sacred in the ordinary teacup; feed a hungry soul

    This summary of five ways to find the sacred in the ordinary is offered as examples of an infinite resource for anyone thirsty for wisdom and insight.  Holding…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    HAS YOUR “BEST IF USED BY” DATE PASSED?

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    strawberry with a 'best if used by' date

    Do you have a "Best if used by" date on your life? What if that date has passed and you find yourself still sitting on the shelf? Here…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL WORK OF GRATITUDE?

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    woman lifting arms in gratitude

    Why gratitude is a spiritual practice in which we include both memorable events and things that are painful.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges

    3 SIMPLE WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

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    a stressed out dog with his chin on the floor, growing older, aging

    When confronted by a stressful event it helps to know three simple ways to manage the accompanying feelings.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker,  Life Challenges

    DEKKER GIVES CATS FREE ADVICE

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    the fab four cats

    As a service dog, Dekker has begun to serve as a spiritual guide to anyone (including cats) who have questions about dealing with difficult issues in their lives.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Fiction

    A CONVERSATION WITH ANGER

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    purple bugged eyed monster makes one question the purpose of living

    When George found himself trapped in a room with Anger, he didn't recognize it as his own. His conversation turns his fear into empowerment.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ‘RITUAL’?

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    ritual of making tea

    Rituals are an important part of our daily lives, but what is a ritual and who is qualified to carry one out? What makes a ritual sacred? Here…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    KEEPING YOUR BALANCE SPIRITUALLY

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    man balancing on highwire

    There are some ways to keep standing when the world seems upside down that involve finding insight, protecting your inner ears, and making choices aid in balance.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    DISCOVERING THE MYSTERY OF DAWN

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    Sunrise at Cadillac Mt in Maine

    Rising early enough to see the sunrise is the way to experience what is known as a 'Thin Place' where heaven and earth meet.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Caregiving,  Dekker

    A SERVICE DOG SPEAKS TO CAREGIVERS

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    Dekker standing up on fence

    My name is Dekker. I am a service dog and like many other caregivers, I devote my time and energy 24/7 to a person I love so that…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    AGING AS A CAUSE TO CELEBRATE

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    The hands of an aging woman are clasped and resting in her lap. she wonders about meaning and purpose of growing old

    Aging is universal across time and place. We all age. The question is, are we going to quake as we age or celebrate each step along the way?

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • Woman with questioning face wonders about sound of silence. mind readingMind Reading – Did You Ever Wish For It?
    Spiritual Growth
  • Dekker, service dog posing on granite slabWisdom from Dekker
    Dekker
  • Woman sitting in the power of silence on a mournain peak, stories wondering if she were religious, learning to be a human beingThe Stories We Carry
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • dressing up as a child who wants to grow up, the person your younger self neededLessons From Your Younger Self
    Aging
  • old aging tree trunkHow Old is “Old”
    Aging, Life Challenges

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